Heavy rains pounded Ekpoma in Edo State’s Esan West Local Government Area late Monday into Tuesday, transforming streets into raging torrents and resulting in the near-fatal wash-away of a commercial motorcyclist. Eyewitnesses reported that the rider and his passenger battled the rising waters before the current overwhelmed the man, leaving onlookers in shock.
The drama unfolded along Uwenlenbo Road, adjacent to Zekor Hotel, where floodwaters surged without warning. Social media posts showed the female passenger leaping clear of the bike just as the water’s force uprooted the rider and swept him downstream.
“The rider was carrying a female passenger, before he was swept away.”
Local youths wasted no time. They launched a search effort and successfully tracked the motorcyclist to a nearby drain. One video clip captured by a bystander showed several men straining to haul him from the swirling water, though the scene turned chaotic before the rescue.
Amid the same floods, a student found herself stranded in a submerged compound. Neighbours spotted her clinging to a fence and alerted residents, who formed a human chain to bring her to safety. She emerged shaken but uninjured.
Residents identified the motorcycle by its registration—Delta AGB 130 WL—and urged anyone with information about the rider’s condition to come forward. Community leaders thanked volunteers for their prompt action and cautioned motorists to avoid low-lying areas until the flood subsides.
Emergency services have since assessed the scene and warned that further rainfall could push water levels higher. They advised residents to exercise caution and stay clear of flood-prone roads while the state government works to clear drains and restore drainage channels.